Joint Statement - Federal, provincial and territorial governments working together on first steps towards a pan-Canadian framework to address climate change

Environment ministers working together on first steps towards a pan-Canadian framework to address climate change. (CNW Group/Environment and Climate Change Canada)

OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of the environment came together for the first time ever to work towards the establishment of a pan‑Canadian framework to address climate change and grow our economy. Together, they made the following statement:

"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our generation and citizens across the country are already feeling its impacts. All jurisdictions have a leadership role to play.

"Each province and territory is taking its own important steps forward on this path. We achieved the Paris Agreement in December together. With Indigenous leaders, representatives from municipalities, civil society, youth, and business, we were united in our commitment to the global fight against climate change.

"We also looked at Canada's greenhouse gas projections to 2020 and 2030. The data are clear and confirm that more needs to be done. Our governments are now moving forward collaboratively to develop a framework and specific actions, including investments in green infrastructure, to meet the commitments we made in Paris in order to close the gap.

"We are working together to face this challenge and to ensure transition to a cleaner and more resilient future for the next generation and those to come.

"We all agreed that, in the XXIst century, Canada's prosperity must be built on the principle that the environment and the economy go hand in hand. For example, clean technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. It is important to reduce emissions while positioning Canada to take advantage of global opportunities to grow, diversify our economies, access markets, and create jobs.

"The diversity of our people, geography, industry, and economies is our strength. The path forward to fight climate change will build on the Declaration of the Premiers of Canada from the Quebec Summit, and existing engagement and actions of provinces and territories. It includes Indigenous knowledge, and incorporates new and innovative ideas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing our economy.

"Over the past two days, we have had productive discussions on important issues and areas, including economic opportunities, means of reducing emissions, including the importance of technological innovation, public engagement, carbon pricing, and adapting to the effects of climate change.

"These discussions bring us one step closer to the successful development of a pan‑Canadian framework for combatting climate change."